What is a Constitution?

A constitutionis a written plan for government. The United States and each of the 50 states each have their own constitutions, which outline what powers their government will hold and the limitations of that same government. The preambleis an introductory statement of the Constitution's purposes and guiding principles.

Preamble to the Constitution of North Carolina We, the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for the preservation of the American Union and the existence of our civil, political and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those blessings to us and our posterity, do, for the more certain security thereof and for the better government of this State, ordain and establish this Constitution.Preamble to the Constitution of The United States We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.